How Much Does a Wedding Photographer Cost in Columbus, Ohio?

If you've started researching wedding photographers in Columbus, you've probably noticed the prices vary wildly — and nobody seems to want to tell you what they actually charge until you fill out a contact form. This post is the opposite of that.

But before I get into numbers, I want to tell you about a wedding I photographed last month. It happened to be my son's.

Gabe and Ciara — WatersEdge Conference & Event Center, May 9, 2025

I photographed and filmed Gabe and Ciara's wedding at WatersEdge Conference & Event Center in Ohio on a day that was, honestly, everything you hope for. Gorgeous weather, a reception overlooking the pond, and a room full of people who clearly love this couple. I had a second photographer alongside me, I ran video, and somewhere in between all of that, I delivered a speech I had memorized.

Gabe cried during the vows. I kept shooting.

That moment — staying behind the camera while your son says the most important words of his life — is the kind of thing that tests everything you've built as a photographer. You have to be present as a father and precise as a professional at the same time. I also crashed a drone that day. I put it into sport mode to navigate a tight space, which disables the sensors and bumpers, and it got away from me. I got the shots I needed. The repair bill was $70. Worth it.

The video guestbook we set up told its own story. Person after person stepped in front of that camera and said the same things about Gabe and Ciara — that they bring people together, that they make everyone feel at home, that being around them makes you want to be a better person. I've filmed a lot of video guestbooks. I've never seen one hit like that.

What you're watching is a short excerpt from a 42-minute video guestbook recorded at Gabe and Ciara's wedding. I've filmed a lot of these. I've never seen one hit like this.

If I can photograph and film a full wedding, manage a second shooter, fly a drone in sport mode, and deliver a speech from memory — all in one day — I can manage your wedding.

What does wedding photography cost in Columbus?

The national average for wedding photography runs between $2,500 and $5,000. In Columbus, most photographers land somewhere in the $2,000–$4,500 range depending on experience, hours, and what's included. I've been shooting weddings in Columbus for over 10 years with 115+ five-star reviews, and I price my work below both the local and national average on purpose. I'd rather stay busy doing work I love than price myself out of reach. On average, most couples spend around $300 an hour with me.

My packages

All three packages include a ceremony livestream, a license to use all your photos, and print credits — things a lot of photographers charge extra for or don't offer at all.

Sugar — Starting at $2,000 6 hours of wedding photography, ceremony livestream, $100 online print credit, and a license for use of all photos (usually nets around 60 images per hour).

This is the right package for shorter weddings, intimate ceremonies, or couples who want professional coverage without a full-day commitment.

Spice — Starting at $2,800 A Columbus-based engagement session, 8 hours of wedding photography, ceremony livestream, $200 online print credit, and a license for use of all photos.

The engagement session alone is worth the upgrade — it gives us a chance to work together before the wedding day so you're comfortable in front of the camera when it counts.

Everything Nice — Starting at $4,200 A Columbus-based engagement session, 10 hours of wedding photography, ceremony livestream, $300 online print credit, a license for use of all photos, a second photographer, a video guestbook, and a 20-page layflat photobook.

This is the full experience. The second photographer means nothing gets missed. The video guestbook — ask Gabe and Ciara how that turned out. The layflat photobook is a finished, printed product you'll have for life.

What affects the final price?

All three packages are starting costs. The final price can vary based on travel distance, add-ons like additional hours or extra print products, and whether you want video services alongside photography. I can customize any package to fit your day.